Misleading Allegations Online Negatively Impacted Brigitte Macron's Well-being, Child Tells the Tribunal

The French first lady's child, her daughter, informed a tribunal in Paris that misleading allegations circulating on the internet—including the baseless theory that the French first lady is transgender—have significantly harmed her mother's daily existence.

She, a 41-year-old lawyer, served as a witness in the legal proceedings of ten people facing charges for internet-based abuse against her mother.

Effects on Daily Life

She testified that her mother now worries constantly about how she looks, from her attire to her posture, because of the fear that every photograph might be manipulated to support negative campaigns.

"The outcome is that she constantly has to pay attention to what she wears, her posture, regardless of her actions in day-to-day existence," Auzière informed the judges.

Defendants and Allegations

The defendants, aged 41 to 60, are on trial for internet-based bullying. Some had modest digital reach, while others were more prominent.

Every defendant is charged with spreading defamatory content about the first lady's personal life. For some, this involved linking her age difference with her husband to offensive labels.

Upon being found guilty, they face up to two years in prison.

Effect on Relatives

Auzière, a family member from Brigitte Macron's previous marriage, explained how the false claims have resulted in a "decline of her physical state" and a "deterioration of her overall existence".

She testified, "Scarcely a day goes by when someone does not talk the issue to her."

She pointed out the impact on her relatives, including the kids hearing false assertions like "She is not truthful" or "She is your grandfather".

"She has no idea how to end it," Auzière stated. "She didn't run for election, she never asked for any of this, and she is constantly subjected to these attacks."

Court Case Background

The Paris trial is part of an ongoing effort in a extended court case addressing the baseless theory that Brigitte Macron is a man.

The Macrons have initiated a case in America alleging slander involving a political commentator who spread the allegation.

The legal filing clarifies that the claim is totally unfounded and notes that the name mentioned is actually her sibling.

Defendants' Responses

In court, several defendants denied the allegations.

• One defendant, holding a public position, claimed he "had no purpose to inflict damage" and referred to his online statements as ironic.
• A fiction writer argued that his online activity were intended as "irony" and expressed concern that the trial could undermine "free speech".
• A third defendant explained he shared posts because he felt it was a worldwide topic with "consequences for France".

Relationship Background

The false theory about the first lady's sex circulated in part because the Macrons' relationship has long been a subject of discussion in digital spaces.

Brigitte Macron, aged significantly older than Emmanuel Macron, originally knew him when serving as a instructor at the institution he attended.

Their bond grew through theatrical projects, and they married in 2007, subsequent to Brigitte Macron's divorce.

She concluded her testimony by stating that the inaccurate allegations have caused a "whirlwind that never stops" for her mother.